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Smez's avatar
Smez
Member
9 years ago

Pain from implant

Hi  I was diagnosed with breast cancer 2014. Grade 1 4 tumours in situ and DCIS  sentinel nodes removed all clear. HER2 positive.  I had a right masectomy with immediate reconstruction.  Expanders then silicon implant. I have been suffering from pain around the implant and a pain in my back directly behind the breast. I have now talked to my breast surgeon (public system in WA) and they will remove the implant. I was told that I have to have a replacement implant because the muscles and skin are all stretched, not happy about that. They said a smaller saline implant maybe a better idea. Just wondering if anyone else has had pain relief from changing implants.   

3 Replies

  • Smez's avatar
    Smez
    Member
    9 years ago
    Thanks for that.  I also was unaware that you would always need an implant. Apparently I was told but I didn't hear anything after I was told I would need a masectomy after lumpectomy wasn't successful. I can still function after doing all my exercises but in pain every day.  It hurts my back every time I deep breathe. Surgeon said a smaller saline implant maybe better. Thats more surgery..
  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    9 years ago
    I've had mine replaced 4 times in 10 years after a bilateral implant reconstruction. I get temporary relief then the scar tissue thickens and I'm back to square 1. The 'obvious' answer is to remove the implants all together, except it's not the solution because of the pocket that would be left behind.
    I scar heavily but didn't realise the implications of that in the reconstruction process until it was too late. I've become resigned to a level of pain that fluctuates according to what sort of activity I'm undertaking. To put this in perspective I can still swing an axe, shoe a horse and shovel more mulch in an hour than most women half my age. It just burns a bit.
  • SoldierCrab's avatar
    SoldierCrab
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi @Smez
     welcome again to the online forum I am sorry I can't offer advice I had a double Mastectomy and no reconstruction. 
    I know that others will help you with answers to your question. 

    take care 
    Soldier Crab aka alice